- Iran denies engaging in negotiations with the United States despite ongoing exchange of messages between both sides
- The foreign Minister, Abbas Araghch, confirmed direct and indirect communication but insisted, “There are no grounds for negotiations”
- Iran dismisses media claims of a counterproposal as “merely guesses” and denies submitting any conditions
Iran has dismissed claims of ongoing negotiations with the United States, insisting that while it continues to receive messages from Washington, no formal talks are taking place.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Tehran had not responded to a reported 15-point US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
“We receive messages from the American side, some direct and some through our friends in the region, and whenever necessary, we respond to these messages.
“There are no grounds for negotiations,” Araghchi said.
He added that although communication lines remain open, including some direct exchanges with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, these interactions should not be interpreted as negotiations.
“There are no grounds for negotiations,” he reiterated, stressing that contact does not equal dialogue toward a deal.
Iran and the United States have been in conflict since February 28, when a wave of strikes reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader and escalated into a wider regional war involving Israel.
Diplomatic efforts led by countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have been ongoing in attempts to de-escalate tensions.
Last week, reports emerged that Pakistan had conveyed a 15-point US-backed proposal to Iran. However, Iranian officials have denied submitting any response.
Araghchi said, “Tehran has not offered anything in response,” dismissing claims in the media suggesting otherwise as speculation.
The war erupted during sensitive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, echoing past tensions, including a 12-day conflict in June last year that saw Israeli strikes just before scheduled talks.
Araghchi expressed deep mistrust toward the United States, referencing the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.
“We do not have any faith that negotiations with the US will yield any results. The trust level is at zero, We don’t see honesty,” he said.
Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that previous negotiations were undermined by military action.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Washington remains open to diplomacy but is prepared to escalate pressure if needed, saying the US is willing to continue “negotiating with bombs.”
Tensions have also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. Iran has restricted passage through the waterway, which it says is closed to “enemy” shipping.
In response to concerns over a possible US ground operation, Araghchi said Iran is fully prepared to defend itself.
“We are waiting for them, I don’t think they’d dare to do such a thing. There will be a lot of strength waiting for them,” he said.
“We know very well how to defend ourselves… We are completely ready to confront any sort of ground attack.”
Despite ongoing tensions, Araghchi said Iran has not proposed any counteroffer to the US plan and remains firm in its position, insisting that only a complete end to hostilities, not a ceasefire, would be acceptable.